Stories from the Sales Frontlines

19189199219239242003

Comments

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    surprised me that the opening theme song didn't become a Christmas "standard" for holiday radio play.

    It is a cute song, and it is a great movie, perfectfor this time of year. In that opening sequence the Griswolds are in a muddy Taurus station wagon.

    Do you think that is trying to make a statement (like loser)?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,357
    How does the car know who is in it?

    I think it is the same way that a thermos knows how to keep hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold. It just knows !!

    First step toward artificial intelligence ! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,753
    >Pushbutton Start (no key and no keyholes anywhere),

    Do you know how it's supposed to work to turn off the motor in the event of unintended acceleration? I still like a nice key for control. I know the electrical connection will turn off with a key.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    same way that a thermos knows how to keep hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold. It just knows

    Never thought of that, thermos's are smart! ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    The post about the rear sunshade got me thinking -

    How much time do you all spend explaining the car at delivery? Do you have a preferred presentation and a short one, for the busy times?

    I am curious - we are trying to figure the right amount of time to explain and set up smart phones for people and the car industry is used as an example.

    Thanks!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Yeah, j I just read the specs on that Genny and it looks like you are correct.

    OK…nice to see that you’ve returned to your senses.

    However, I have a pro street Camaro behind garage door no 3 if your son wants to give it a whirl. It has never been down the track, but I'm guessing mid to high 12s.

    I’m sure he’d like to give it a try. I’ve told this here before; he bought a ’95 Trans AM for use as a track car in the early summer and would like to know how his car stacks up. Why don’t you drive it up to the Burgh to visit some of the friends you left behind when you moved a little south? I’m sure he’d be more than willing to see how the two cars compare.

    I guess I should have looked closer at Genesis now that I see you have 17 speakers to my 12.

    Those speakers do nothing for the Genny’s quickness but they do provide for some pretty sounds. :blush:

    That rear shade should block the glare from those annoying blue lights coming from behind.

    Tell me something, if that car of yours is so quick, why are so many cars with “annoying blue lights” coming so close to your behind.? :confuse: :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Pushbutton with no key...how does it work?

    You have a little matchbox sized thing with Lock, Unlock, Trunk and Panic buttons.
    When it is inside the car such as in your pocket or on the lower dish console you just push brake and touch start/stop button for 1 second. Car starts and you're ready to put it in drive. When you arrive you hit stop (same button) and it turns engine off.

    ps when brake pedal is not pushed and start button is hit it makes the stereo come on loud enough to turn wife into crazy woman when you (me) leaves volume at 25.

    Matchbox thing will not work if it is outside of car such as on the hood, but upon breaking the plane of the door it flashes and is ready.

    Also I noticed the trunk release button is in the tail light (no keyhole).
    I hit it and nothing. Put little box in my pocket and hit button...pop goes the trunk.

    I have no idea how it blinks red. There is no led visible, just grey plastic...but it works.
    Also if you walk up to the door empty handed...nothing. Approach with box and the interior lights come on. Then a touch of the rubber button on the handle unlocks door.

    I found the secret key in the matchbox thing. Strange looking. Not pointed. Grooved funny on both sides. It would be hard to duplicate. Drivers door handle has little slot this strange key fits in and unlocks with L or R turn. Only fits one way. Seems to be for emergency use or dead battery. No other place to use the emergency key on the entire car. Oops, maybe that's what locks 12" by 12" pass thru to trunk. Not sure.

    Hope that explained what you asked. Dave

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Those are really neat looking. Also, they would keep your garage area looking nice and clean. Tire totes---you learn something new each day.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks for explaining that MSRP across the country. Continuity does make sense. I can see the big picture now. One more thing, could you put "holdback" in simple language for me? Thanks.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks, Dino. Between you and Irguy, I finally got the big picture.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Congratulations on your new purchase! Though I haven't driven one, the Avalon is a beautiful car. The lines are sleek and sophisticated looking. Also, I like the push button idea and those A/C seats. Where I live, the A/C seats would be more appreciated than the heated ones. Hope you have many happy driving hours. In addition, your experience was direct, simply, and without stress. That's the way that it should be.



    Richard
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Tell me something, if that car of yours is so quick, why are so many cars with “annoying blue lights” coming so close to your behind.?


    Don't confuse me with richard. I've had 1 ticket (65 in a 55) in 30 years.
    No speeder here.

    Maybe playing bridge with our local State Delegate got me a pass. Not sure.

    Besides I have only driven it 40 miles.

    I don't do wax jobs, but I sure like to sit in the garage and push all the buttons. If I had a mouse this would be like a stereo computer on wheels.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    It's been four months and I'm still behaving. ;)

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    How does pushbutton start without a key work?

    The car is smart enough to know that the Smart Key is in the car (a signal is transmitted), so the car allows itself to be started with the push of a button.


    How does the car know who is in it?

    Like I said, the car is smart enough to know that the Smart Key is within the car but it ain’t smart enough to know that the real owner of the car is the one who is in the car. So, if you lose the Smart Key, it is just as if you lost a normal key and it is found, the car can then be stolen. :cry:

    Now, if the car had a fingerprint reader, that would be a really smart car. That is coming but as I understand it, that kind of car intelligence is still on the drawing board. It will come but it isn’t here yet.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,553
    "...what do you want for it I said 5K..."

    5K? Holy wheelspin Batman. Year? Miles? Address? Phone #?.

    If your car is not too overly pimped up and beat down you can get more than that. My Chrysler dealer had a nice 1997 Camaro SS M/T sitting out front with 90K miles for about $12K recently. I've seen them ask as high as $13K. Crazy money in my mind but if you're a fan... :shades:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,553
    "...How much time do you spend explaining the car at delivery?..."

    My last two new cars....ZERO. :confuse:

    Maybe I look like I know it all. ;)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,553
    "...still on the drawing board..."

    Some high end cars have voice-recognition start. :)

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Thanks, Richard. Mom says the back seat is wonderful. And best of all she doesn't have to use a seatbelt in back. She hates those things. Rear seats recline and it is very roomy back there. I estimate it's about 6 inches narrower and 6 inches longer than the Solara. Had to adjust my garage door trip lights and move my floor stop stick.

    I may have left a few bucks on the table, but hey 2 shirts and 2 hats. Woo Hoo.

    Now to find a safe storage spot for the Beretta and I'm all set.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Some high end cars have voice-recognition start.

    I didn't know that. Not that I'm going to get one but which ones have that? What happens when you have a cold? Do you listen to the radio until you get better and can start the car? :confuse:

    Real workable intelligence is a fingerprint reader. Fingerprints don't change, any thief can attest to that. :surprise:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    Seems to be for emergency use or dead battery. No other place to use the emergency key on the entire car.

    Excellent explanation, and just when you think they have thought of everything, they come out with more, it is amazing.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Real workable intelligence is a fingerprint reader. Fingerprints don't change, any thief can attest to that.

    They don't change, but if someone wants your car badly enough they are detachable.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    And best of all she doesn't have to use a seatbelt in back.

    Not to start the seat belt arguement again but aren't they compulsory in your state?
    I thought they would be everywhere by now.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I hope I'm not breaking any Edmunds rules, just answering farmers question.
    The $5k car is a 91 Z28 convertible. It has 127000 on the odometer, but just about every rotating part has been replaced. All bushings, bearings, brakes, exhaust, engine, trans, etc. Drivetrain has 8 to 9 k on it. I don't drive it much. Top will be ok for another couple of years. Rear plastic is still clear. It has original paint and some chips, but never dented or wrecked. I removed front spoiler as it scraped concrete stop blocks. Pretty much rust free except for a few parts underneath (surface). Underside looks good. Red neoprene all around, chrome trans pan, heavy duty built trans with mild stall converter. 10 bolt posi rear. I think it's a 3.73. Tuned port fuel injection (the only stock engine part). Keith Black pistons, Eagle crank, Comp cam, stainless 1.94 valves with triple grind. I didn't build it. My friend owns the local speed shop. England Automotive in Max Meadows, Va. He knows every detail of the build. Everything works. Pwr windows, mirrors, seats. Stereo was almost a grand and has USB port. (if you're old like me ask your kid-they can show you how to use it). Kenwood deck, Alpine amp, Something Fosgate speakers and remote. I have over $10k in parts/labor receipts and CD of eng/trans build. My email should be on that photo board thing. I'll look and see.

    I don't advertise anything because of the people that want either a half price sale or want me to become a financial institution.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    The car is smart enough to know that the Smart Key is in the car (a signal is transmitted),

    Thanks also for the explanation. I thought my 2008 bimmer was state of the art with a big square key that fits in a slot...then a push of the button to start.

    It is getting to be like computers and TVs, you buy it and it is obsolete by the time the next model comes out.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,625
    They don't change, but if someone wants your car badly enough they are detachable.

    Yeah but those fingerprint readers tend to be a bit fussy, We have them at work which are used to punch in and out at the time clock. Apparently if your finger is to cold it won't register. So my guess is if your finger gets detached it won't work on a fingerprint reader for to long.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    LOL

    Were you surprised by something you figured out down the road - or was everything as you expected?

    I think the rear sunshade is a good example - yes it is a little thing, but nice to know none the less
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,553
    "...which ones have that?..."

    Well, according to the movie "2012" Bentley does. But now I wonder if you'll have to wait for the 2012 model to get it. :confuse:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,553
    "...Were you surprised by something..."

    Not on the Eclipse. It's a base model so it's pretty basic (also I read the manual).

    On the wife's PT Crusier there are a few things that I haven't figured out because I don't drive it much . I'll have to get out the reading glasses.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Not to start the seat belt arguement again but aren't they compulsory in your state?

    As far as I know only front seat belts required in Va for adults.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    As far as I know only front seat belts required in Va for adults

    Wow! It's ok for kids and Mothers and mother-in-laws who sit in the back to go right through the front windshield?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    I got in my supply of Crapcars and it is quite entertaining...would make a great gift for the car lover. They count down the 50 worst and some are surprising. Some of the better known, with a brief explanation include;
    Porsche 9241976-85 - VW asked Porsche to design a car for them. When they were done VW ran out of money so Porsche made it their own, but they used a VW van engine to power it.
    Cadillac ETC. 2000-2002 Main complaint was the name, they think they ran out of real names. Also, big pillars making rear vision very limited.
    Chrysler Imperial 1990 - Used every styling idea possibel; hidden lights, chrome mirrors, chrome window surrounds, chrome strips on the fenders, taillights, door handles and all over...looks like it was attacked by a kid with an electrolysis kit.
    Then to cap it off thay added an opera roof.
    Ford EXP 1982 -Supposed to be a sports car but was really a Ford Escort. The name is supposed to sound futuristic, if you want to do that add an X in the name.
    VW Fox 1987-93 - A low rent Rabbit made in South America. Came as a 4 door sedan and a 2 inexplicably, a 2 door wagon....that's useful.
    K Car 1981-89. It saved Chrysler, but Lassie saved lots of people and she was a dog too.Chev Camaro Berlinetta 1979 - A low powered muscle car with a weak V6.
    In case that wasn't bad enough, it came with fake wire wheels, just so people would be sure you were a loser.

    Other cars of note, the Citation, Gremlin, Cadillac Cimarron, Pinto, Aztek, Chev Lumina Van (referred to as a dustbuster), Cadillac Seville (especially with a Diesel engine that belched black smoke and had major problems, Vega (if it only had a little rust it was still on the production line,VW Beetle (noisy, uncomfortable, pathetic heater), AMC Pacer (drive a compact that looked like a turtle-and not nice because if you remember, the passenger door was longer than the drivers door), and number 1 was one I bought for my wife, a Mustang II (1974) - Ford ruined a legend with a range of engines that would make Bambi look strong.
    ">
    image<img src="

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    They don't change, but if someone wants your car badly enough they are detachable.

    Well no sh** and I've heard of cars being hooked or flat bedded to the chop shop too.

    I was trying use some reasonable technology about where the anti theft/starting of the family sedan is headed but there are always some who want to cite the exceptions, huh?

    How about this as an anti theft device...chain you favorite Doberman to the steering wheel. It won't help with the starting other than the car MAY be there when you return :surprise:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Agree with your list with one exception.

    The Cadillac Sevilles of the late 70's were great cars. Nice size, great styling and an excellent engine and transmission.

    They ruined the later ones.

    I think what really hurt Cadillac was the miserable HT 4100 engine that they used from 1982-1987. These were garbage engines that cost Cadillac their reputation and customer loyality. Yes, the diesels were even worse. Cadillac stooped so low as to install some weakling V-6's in some full sized models in the early 80's.

    They never recovered.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 21,051
    richard,
    my 02 explorer has memory for the seats and pedals which can be tied to a key.
    cooled seats are nice. i don't have them, but have had the opportunity to try them.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    They don't change, but if someone wants your car badly enough they are detachable.

    That just reminded me, I was waiting for this little old lady to back into a space in her 2002 Cavalier, so I could back in next to her (it was at a play, and it is better to back in so you have a chance of getting out at the end). After I backed in in the 2008 bimmer the 4 of us in our car looked across to see this little old lady, with a dirty banged up 02 Cavalier.......putting a Club on her steering wheel!

    There you are JM, for the ultimate in self-defense with the Gennie, you should buy a Club.

    Off to Las Vegas for 4 nights....but I'll have the laptop. Got tickets to see Cher,
    Do you believe in life after love.....mmmmm

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Apparently if your finger is to cold it won't register. So my guess is if your finger gets detached it won't work on a fingerprint reader for to long.

    I&#146;m sure they figured that out. Just scan another finger for the new reference point.

    But they didn&#146;t count on this:

    I remember when a hand scanner didn&#146;t work very well in the cold? When I was in SC they had a hand scanner and the southerners just didn&#146;t like the idea of putting their fingers between steel pins and their palm pressed firmly on a cold (?) 38 degree steel plate. I&#146;d bet they wouldn&#146;t be very good in a snow ball fight either. A bunch of wozze&#146;s I&#146;d say. :)

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 21,051
    she obviously has a lot more respect for her cavalier than you do for your bimmer. ;)
    actually, she probably can't afford to lose it. :sick:
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,357
    LOL, what is a wozzie? Did you mean wussie? :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    she obviously has a lot more respect for her cavalier than you do for your bimmer.

    Maybe, I just think if thieves were to take a car, it would probably be mine, not hers.

    It did go through my mind that she probably can't afford to have her car stolen, or she has had a car stolen before, but, it did seem silly when you first think about it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    what is a wozzie? Did you mean wussie?

    The regulars here no that gammer and spellin ain&#146;t my strong suit.

    You know, I fought with how to spell that word (for a wimp) until I just gave up. Maybe when I tried to pluralize that word I was in over my head. :cry:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,357
    Thets okey, wei dont geve pointz her fur speilling. :surprise:

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    Here we go again....
  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,194
    I thought my 2008 bimmer was state of the art with a big square key that fits in a slot...then a push of the button to start.

    It was available as an option in 2008. It's called Comfort access.

    Actually BMW has had that for a few years.

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Did you mean wussie?

    That would be "wussy!" :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,678
    It was available as an option in 2008. It's called Comfort access
    Thanks for the info, I wasn't told about it by our salesperson,....but that doesn't surprise me. He wasn't that knowledgeable, and when I went for snowtires his name wasn't on the office he had before.

    Actually BMW has had that for a few years.

    Whewww! I was worried BMW was falling behind, ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Do you know how it's supposed to work to turn off the motor in the event of unintended acceleration? I still like a nice key for control. I know the electrical connection will turn off with a key.

    &#145;imid&#146;, I&#146;m with you on this all the way. I guess the two of us have driven cars with KEYS waaay too long to be comfortable with just a button to start and stop our cars. :(

    I guess we also remember when the key was on the lower part of the dash too. But a push button will eliminate a problem that was caused by having a key ring that had too many keys on it. The bouncing of the keys could ruin the contacts of the ignition switch like what happened to me back in the early 70&#146;s.

    I had a &#146;68 Olds and I had about six keys on a detachable key ring. I liked that detachable key ring so I could disconnect the keys from the ignition key that was still in the ignition so I could get out and open the garage door and not have to shut the car off. I bet you also remember the days without garage door openers too. I figured shutting off the car and then restarting it was a needless challenge for the switch and in time would kill it. But, like I said the bouncing keys on the ring did that anyway.

    When the switch went bad I had to giggle it so it would start the car. Fortunately, once the car started, the run contacts were still good so I didn&#146;t have a problem while driving.

    Now it&#146;s time to replace that switch so I called the Olds dealer that was in the Burgh (the one near me went out of business) and they didn&#146;t have an ignition switch in stock and the guy said he could order me one but it would take about a week to come in. He was then very nice and gave me the GM part number and said I could go the local Chevy or Pontiac dealer to get one if they had it in stock. I was lucky and they did. When I said, &#147;I guess they can make me a couple additional keys there… &#148; he stopped me and said, &#147;you use the key and tumbler from the switch you now have&#148;. I then ask him how you get the tumbler out of the old switch and he said, &#147;that&#146;s very easy (don&#146;t you just love it when you hear that?). He goes on to say, &#147;there is a little hole to the left of the key slot, put the key in, turn it to the accessory position, push a paper clip into the hole and pull on the key. Since the key can&#146;t come out of the tumbler with the switch in the accessory position it will pull out the tumbler with no problem&#148;. :surprise: Damn, that is easy when you know the trick.

    Now see, aren&#146;t buttons better than an old style switch? :D We better get used to them because they are here to stay.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • dtezladtezla Member Posts: 88
    For a very short time I worked for a Chevy/Cadillac dealership. In the winter, I used to hate moving the Caddies because they tended to have wood steering wheels which were very cold. Then I found out they had heated steering wheels... that was nice. However, I would still have preferred a leather wheel since they are more comfortable.
  • dtezladtezla Member Posts: 88
    The best part of the "smart keys" or whatever you want to call it is for the dealers in the winter. Gone are the days of "keying" up every car to move the lot around for snow removal. Now all you have to do is walk around with the box of ALL the keys, open the car, start it & move on. The cars will remain on even when the transponder is moved out of the car.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,357
    How dare you correct ME when I am trying to make fun of and correct someone else!! This is WAR !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    This is WAR !!

    And you will lose!! :cry:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

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